Quick Answer
As of November 2026 there is no direct train from Delhi to Srinagar. You take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, then the Vande Bharat Express (26401/26402) to Srinagar. The Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat covers 269 km in about 4 hours 50 minutes, runs every day except Tuesday, and has AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. With the change, Delhi to Srinagar by train takes most people a full day or an overnight journey; a nonstop flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Plan your Kashmir trip by train
The railway line into the Kashmir Valley was completed in 2025, and Vande Bharat trains now cross the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges between Katra and Banihal into Srinagar. Many people now want to travel the whole way from Delhi by train.
This guide explains the routes that work today, the Vande Bharat timings, how long the journey takes, how to book, and what happens when you reach Srinagar station.
Is there a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar?
Not yet. As of November 2026 no train runs straight from Delhi to Srinagar, and no such train can be booked on IRCTC. A Delhi to Srinagar sleeper train has been planned for some time, but it has not started. Until it does, the trip is a train to Jammu Tawi or Katra, then a second train into the valley.
Check before you book
Train services into Kashmir have changed several times since 2025. Confirm train numbers, days and times on IRCTC or NTES before you book, and again a day before travel.
How to go from Delhi to Srinagar by train
Option 1: overnight to Jammu Tawi, then Vande Bharat
- 1Take an overnight train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi.
- 2Board the Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat (26401). At the time of writing it leaves Jammu Tawi at 6:20 am and reaches Srinagar at 11:10 am.
- 3Your cab meets you at Srinagar railway station.
This is the fastest rail plan, but it depends on the overnight train reaching Jammu on time. If yours is due in close to 6 am, a night in Jammu is the safer choice.
Option 2: Vande Bharat to Katra, night in Katra, then Srinagar
- 1Take the New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat (about 8 hours), or another day train to Katra.
- 2Stay the night in Katra. Pilgrims often add a Vaishno Devi visit here.
- 3Next morning, take a Vande Bharat from Katra to Srinagar, a journey of about 3 hours.
This takes longer but is relaxed, works well for families and older travellers, and fits a Vaishno Devi stop.
Option 3: train to Jammu, then road to Srinagar
If the Vande Bharat is full, take a Jammu to Srinagar taxi instead: about 260 to 270 km on NH44, usually 7 to 9 hours with stops.
Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat: key facts
| Detail | Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat |
|---|---|
| Train numbers | 26401 (Jammu Tawi to Srinagar), 26402 (Srinagar to Jammu Tawi) |
| Timings (check before travel) | 26401: 6:20 am to 11:10 am. 26402: 2:00 pm to 6:50 pm |
| Journey time | About 4 hours 50 minutes for 269 km |
| Stops | Jammu Tawi, Udhampur, SMVD Katra, Reasi, Banihal, Srinagar |
| Runs | Every day except Tuesday |
| Classes | AC Chair Car and AC Executive Chair Car (seats only, no berths) |
| Service history | Started between Katra and Srinagar on 6 June 2025; extended to start from Jammu Tawi from 30 April 2026 |
The ride between Katra and Banihal crosses the Chenab bridge, the highest railway arch bridge in the world, and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad, with long tunnels in between. Sit on either side; both get views.
How long does Delhi to Srinagar take: train, flight or road?
| Way to travel | Usual time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Train via Jammu Tawi | An overnight train plus about 5 hours on the Vande Bharat | Rail lovers, travellers who want the bridges and views |
| Train via Katra with a night stop | Two days with a relaxed night in Katra | Families, older travellers, Vaishno Devi pilgrims |
| Nonstop flight | About 1.5 hours in the air | Short trips and winter, when roads and rail can be disrupted by snow |
| Train to Jammu, then taxi | An overnight train plus 7 to 9 hours by road | When the Vande Bharat is full |
How to book and what to expect
- Book early: book on IRCTC as soon as reservations open. The Kashmir Vande Bharat often sells out in spring, summer and holiday weeks.
- Book both legs: book the Delhi train and the Vande Bharat together, and leave a gap between them for delays.
- Reach the station early: stations on the Kashmir line have airport-style security checks. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure.
- Pack light: the Vande Bharat has overhead racks and limited luggage space, so carry soft bags rather than very large suitcases.
- Carry ID: every adult needs a government photo ID for train checks and hotel check-in.
- Winter: heavy snow can disrupt trains and roads. From December to February, flying is usually more dependable.
Arriving at Srinagar railway station
Srinagar railway station is at Nowgam, on the southern edge of the city, so allow time to reach a Dal Lake hotel or houseboat by cab. Local passenger trains also run inside the valley between Banihal, Anantnag, Srinagar and Baramulla; check their timings on NTES.
Every Via Kashmir package can start at Srinagar railway station instead of the airport: your driver meets you there and the trip begins. See Kashmir tour packages by train, or book a cab from the station on its own.
Plan a Kashmir trip by train with Via Kashmir
- 1Tell us your train: send us your arrival train and date, or ask us which option suits your group.
- 2Choose a package or a custom trip: compare live prices on our packages by train page, or get an itemised quote.
- 3Pay the company online: in full or with an advance through Razorpay, with the cancellation table shown before you pay.
- 4Get met at the station: your driver is at Srinagar railway station when your train arrives. Our Srinagar team is on WhatsApp and phone at +91 91860 51499, 9am to 9pm every day, and on WhatsApp 24/7 during the trip.
Coming to Kashmir by train?
Tell us your train and dates. We will meet you at Srinagar station and plan the rest of the trip.
Further reading from Kashmir Pulse
- Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Train (2026-27): Timings, Fare, Booking and Tips
Everything about the Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat: the two daily departures, fares by class, how to book on IRCTC, the security check at...
- How to Reach Kashmir: Flights, Train & Road Guide 2026-27
Flights, the Jammu-Srinagar highway, and what to know about trains to Kashmir - a straight-talking guide from people who make this journey...
- Kashmir Tour Package from Delhi 2026-27: Routes, Real Costs, and What to Book First
A Kashmir tour package from Delhi in 2026-27 typically runs 6-7 nights and costs INR 18,000-45,000 per person depending on accommodation...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar?
No. As of November 2026 there is no direct Delhi to Srinagar train. Take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi or Katra, then the Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar. A direct sleeper train has been planned but has not started; check IRCTC before booking.
How long does the train from Jammu to Srinagar take?
The Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat (26401) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes for 269 km, stopping at Udhampur, Katra, Reasi and Banihal. From Katra the run is about 3 hours.
What is the Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat train number and timing?
Train 26401 runs Jammu Tawi to Srinagar, leaving 6:20 am and arriving 11:10 am at the time of writing. Train 26402 returns from Srinagar at 2:00 pm, reaching Jammu Tawi at 6:50 pm. It runs every day except Tuesday. Confirm on IRCTC or NTES before travel.
Does the Kashmir Vande Bharat have sleeper berths?
No. It has AC Chair Car and AC Executive Chair Car seats only, which is fine for a journey of about 5 hours.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Delhi to Srinagar?
Flying is quicker (about 1.5 hours nonstop) and more dependable in winter. The train suits travellers who want the scenery and the Chenab bridge crossing, or who are combining the trip with Vaishno Devi at Katra.
How far is Srinagar railway station from Dal Lake?
Srinagar railway station is at Nowgam on the southern edge of the city, a cab ride from Dal Lake. On a Via Kashmir package your driver meets you at the station.
Can a Kashmir tour package start from Srinagar railway station?
Yes. Every Via Kashmir package can start at Srinagar railway station instead of the airport. Tell us your train and arrival time when you book.
Does the train to Kashmir run in winter?
Yes, but heavy snow can delay or cancel services for a day at a time. From December to February, flying into Srinagar is usually more reliable, and a spare day in your plan helps either way.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked November 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.